Facsimile apparatus which corrects read image data based on a difference between a predetermined storage time and a recording time of the read image data

ABSTRACT

A facsimile apparatus comprises read unit for reading a document sheet image, a memory for storing the image data read by the read unit, a recorder for recording the image data on a record sheet, a selection unit for selecting a first copy mode in which the image data read by the read means is stored in the memory, and after the completion of the storing of at least one page of image data, the image data read from the memory starts to be recorded by the recorder, and a second copy mode in which the image data read by the read unit starts to be recorded by the recorder before the completion of the reading of one page of document sheet a unit for asynchronously conducting the reading of the image data by the read unit and the recording of the image data by the recorder when the select unit selects the first copy mode, and synchronously conducting the reading of the image data by the read unit and the recording by the recorder when the select unit selects the second copy mode.

This application is a Division of Ser. No. 08/270,468 filed Jul. 5, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,231.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus which can change a generation time of one line of read data.

2. Related Background Art

In the past, a generation time of one line of read data is based on a store time. Namely, since a store time of one line is fixed, the generation time of one line of read data is an integer multiple of the store time of one line and cannot be arbitrarily set.

Accordingly, in the prior art, a recording means is set such that the generation time of one line of data is slightly shorter than a record time of one line.

However, in LBP recording the record time of one line is determined by a condition of a recording unit, in which the record data should be continuously supplied. In such a system, considering a copy operation of only one set, the generation time of one line of data which is shorter than the record time of one line is set and the recording is made by starting the reading. Since a memory to store the read and record data is definite, the memory becomes full in a short time because the generation time of one line of data is shorter than the record time of one line of data. Thus, the read operation is intermittent and image quality is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve a facsimile apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus which permits copying with a coded memory and copying without a coded memory, in which in the copy mode with the coded memory, the reading of a document sheet and the recording by a printer are asynchronously performed, and in the copy mode without the coded memory, the reading of the document sheet and the recording by the printer are synchronously performed.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus in which the reading of the document sheet and the recording by the printer are synchronized when only one set of copy is to be made, and the reading of the document sheet and the recording by the printer are asynchronously performed when a plurality of sets of copies are to be made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, consisting of FIGS. 1A and 1B, is a block diagram of an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention,

FIGS. 2A, 2B-1 and 2B-2 show relations between a generation time of one line of data and a store time thereof,

FIG. 3, consisting of FIGS. 3A and 3B, is a flow chart of control of a control circuit 50,

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of control of the controller 50 of FIG. 1B,

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of control of the controller 50 of FIG. 1B,

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are flow charts of control of the controller 50 of FIG. 1B, and

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a flow chart of control of the controller 50 of FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is now described in detail in connection with an embodiment thereof.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams of the embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, numeral 2 denotes a network control unit (NCU) which connects a telephone network to a terminal of a line for use in data communication to control the connection of a telephone switching network, switch a data communication path and maintain a loop. A signal line 2 a is a telephone line. The NCU 2 receives a signal from a signal line 50 a and when a signal level is “0”, it connects the telephone line to a telephone set 4, that is, it connects the signal line 2 a to a signal line 2 b. When the signal level of the signal on the signal line 50 a is “1”, it connects the telephone line to a facsimile apparatus, that is, it connects the signal line 2 a to a signal line 2 c. In a normal state, the telephone line 2 a is connected to the telephone set 4.

Numeral 6 denotes a hybrid circuit for separating a transmission signal and a reception signal. Namely, a transmission signal on a signal line 26 a passes through the hybrid circuit 6 to a signal line 2 c and is sent to the telephone line 2 a through the NCU 2. A signal sent from a partner station passes through the NCU 2 and the signal line 2 c and is supplied to a signal line 6 a.

Numeral 8 denotes a modulator for modulating in accordance with the known CCITT Recommendation V21. The modulator 8 receives a protocol signal on a signal line 50 b, executes modulation and outputs modulated data to a signal line 8 a.

Numeral 10 denotes a light source. A light intensity of the light source (for example, an LED) is determined by an analog signal on a signal line 50 c. For example, when one line of data is read by 30 contact sensors and an analog value of 3 is outputted, a current of 3 mA is supplied to each LED. One line of data is stored in accordance with a timing clock outputted to the signal line 12 a, and the stored information is sequentially outputted to the signal line 10 a.

Numeral 12 denotes a read timing generation circuit. When a signal on the signal line 50 d is received, the generation circuit 12 recognizes a generation time of one line. (For example, when an analog signal of 5 is outputted, the generation time of one line is 5 ms.) When the information on the signal line 50 e is inputted, it recognizes a store time of one line. (For example, when an analog signal of 3 is outputted, the store time of one line is 3 ms.) Actual timing is outputted to the signal line 12 a. When the generation time of one line is equal to the store time of one line, the timing clock is outputted to the signal line 12 a at the timing of those times. For example, when both are 3 ms, the timing clock is outputted to the signal line 12 a at the period of 3 ms. When the generation time of one line is longer than the store time, the clock is generated at the timing of the generation time of one line, and the timing clock is generated even after the elapse of the store time from the timing clock.

An example of the timing clock is shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B-2. In FIG. 2A, it is assumed that the store time and the generation time of one line are equal to t₀. In FIG. 2B-1, it is assumed that the generation time t_(b) of one line is longer than the store time t_(a). The time t_(b) may be longer than 2t_(a) (See FIG. 2B-2).

Numeral 14 denotes a read circuit which sequentially reads one line of image signal along a main scan direction from a transmission document sheet to generate a signal train representing white and black binary values. It comprises an image pickup device such as a CCD (charge coupled device) and an optical system. The black and white binary signal train is outputted to the signal line 14 a.

When the generation time of one line and the store time are equal, t₀ is always constant in FIG. 2A and data at any timing may be read. However, when the generation time t_(b) of one line is longer than the store time t_(a), only the data read in the store time t_(a) in FIGS. 2B-1, 2B-2 is valid and the data read in the store time (t_(b)−t_(a)) is thrown away because the store time is not correct. Namely, only the valid data is outputted to the signal line 14 a.

Numeral 16 denotes a memory circuit which is a buffer for storing 150 lines of raw data, for example. The read data outputted to the signal line 14 a is sequentially stored starting from a buffer 0 under the control of a signal line 50 f and the record data is sequentially outputted starting from the buffer 0 to a signal line 16 a.

Numeral 18 denotes an encoder which receives the read data outputted to the signal line 14 a and outputs encoded (MR (modified READ) encoded with K=8) data to a signal line 18 a.

Numeral 20 denotes a memory circuit. The encoded data outputted to the signal line 18 a is stored in the memory circuit 20 under the control of a signal line 50 g and the data stored in the memory circuit 20 is outputted to the signal line 20 a under the control of the signal line 50 g.

Numeral 22 denotes a decode/variable magnification/encode circuit which receives the MR encoded data with K=8 outputted to the signal line 20 a, decodes it as required, changes the magnification and outputs data encoded in accordance with a mode of a destination receiver to the signal line 22 a.

Numeral 24 denotes a modulator which modulates in accordance with the known CCITT Recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V29 (quadrature modulation). The modulator 24 receives the signal on the signal line 22 a, modulates it and outputs the modulated data to the signal line 24 a.

Numeral 26 denotes an adder which receives the signals on the signal lines 8 a and 24 a and outputs a sum signal to the signal line 26 a.

Numeral 28 denotes a demodulator which demodulates in accordance with the known CCITT Recommendation V21. The demodulator 28 receives the signal on the signal line 6 a, demodulates it by V21 and outputs the demodulated data to the signal line 28 a.

Numeral 30 denotes a demodulator which demodulates in accordance with the known CCITT Recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V29 (quadrature modulation). The demodulator 30 receives the signal on the signal line 6 a, demodulates it and outputs the demodulated data to the signal line 30 a.

Numeral 32 denotes a decode/encode circuit which receives the information outputted to the signal line 30 a, decodes it and outputs the MR encoded data with K=8 to the signal line 32 a.

Numeral 34 denotes a memory circuit. The encoded data outputted to the signal line 32 a is stored in the memory circuit 34 under the control of a signal line 50 h, and the data stored in the memory circuit 34 is outputted to the signal line 34 a under the control of the signal line 50 h. The memory circuit 34 may be shared by the memory circuit 20. In a multiple copy mode, those memory circuits are shared.

Numeral 36 denotes a decode circuit which receives the signal outputted to the signal line 34 a and outputs the encoded (MR (modified READ) encoded with K=8) data to the signal line 36 a.

Numeral 38 denotes an adder which receives the data outputted to the signal lines 16 a and 36 a, adds them and outputs the sum to the signal line 38 a.

Numeral 40 denotes a recorder which receives the data outputted to the signal line 38 a and sequentially records it line by line at a constant speed. It may be an electro-photographic printer such as an LBP (laser beam printer) which cannot interrupt the record operation during the recording of one page of image data.

Numeral 42 denotes a select key for the multiple copy mode. When the key is depressed, a depress pulse is generated on a signal line 42 a.

Numeral 44 denotes a ten-key keypad which outputs ten-key information 44 a for a depressed key.

Numeral 46 denotes a set key. When the set key is depressed, a depress pulse is generated on a signal line 46 a.

Numeral 48 denotes a console unit. When a one-touch dial key, a preset dial key, a start key or other function key is depressed, the depressed information is outputted on a signal line 48 a.

Numeral 50 denotes a controller which includes read data generation means and controls the generation time of one line of read data. When the generation time of one line of read data is determined, a light intensity (a current value) of the light source (for example, LED) is selected such that the store time is equal to the generation time. Specifically, in the single copy mode, the generation time to one line of read data is set to be slightly shorter than the record time of one line, and in the memory transmission mode or the multi-copy mode in which the read information is once encoded and stored in the memory circuit 20, the generation time of one line of read data is set to be a shortest allowable read time to read the document sheet information in as short time as possible. In the direct transmission mode, one line of read data is generated in a minimum transmission time designated by the destination station. The record time of one line is, for example, 5.5 ms for a fine mode.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow charts of the control of the controller 50.

A step S60 represents a start.

In a step S62, the signal line 50 a outputs a signal off level “0” to turn of a CML.

In a step S64, the signals on the signal lines 42 a, 44 a, 46 a and 48 a are received to determine if the single copy mode is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to a step S74, and if it is not selected, the process proceeds to a step S66.

In the step S66, the signals on the signal lines 42 a, 44 a, 46 a and 48 a are received to determine of the multiple copy mode is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to a step S82, and if it is not selected, the process proceeds to a step S68.

In the step S68, the signals on the signal lines 42 a, 44 a, 46 a and 48 a are received to determine if the memory transmission mode is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to a step S94, and if it is not selected, the process proceeds to a step S70.

In the step S70, the signals on the signal lines 42 a, 44 a, 46 a and 48 a are received to determine if the direct transmission mode is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to a step S110, and if it is not selected, the process proceeds to a step S72.

The step S72 represents other process.

In a step S74, the store time t_(a) of one line is set to 5.39 ms. Specifically, 5.39 (ms) is outputted to the signal lines 50 d and 50 e, and 3.71 (mA) is outputted to the signal line 50 c so that the store time is equal to 5.39 ms, and 3.71 mA is supplied to each of 30 LED's.

In a step S76, the read information is sequentially stored in the memory circuit 16 as raw data starting from the buffer 0 under the control of the signal line 50 f, and after 10 lines of raw data have been stored, the record data is outputted to the signal line 16 a under the control of the signal line 50 f to sequentially record the lines in 5.4 ms per line (fine mode).

In a step S78, whether one page of recording has been completed or not is determined. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to a step S80, and if it has not been completed, the process proceeds to the step S76.

In the step S80, whether there is a succeeding page or not is determined. If there is, the process proceeds to the step S76, and if there is not, the process proceeds to the step S62.

In the step S82 (FIG. 3B), the store time of one line is set to a shortest possible time (for example, 2.5 ms) which permits the reading in the half-tone mode. Specifically, 2.50 ms is outputted to the signal lines 50 d and 50 e, and 8.00 (mA) is outputted to the signal line 50 c so that the store time is equal to 2.50 ms, and 8.00 mA is supplied to each of the 30 LED's.

In a step S84, the read information is sequentially MR encoded with K=8 under the control of the signal line 50 g and they are stored in the memory circuit 20 (or 34).

In a step S86, whether all pages have been read or not is determined, and if they have been read, the process proceeds to a step S88, and if they have not been read, the process proceeds to the step S84.

In the step S88, the information stored in the memory circuit 34 (or 20) is sequentially decoded under the control of the signal line 50 h to record it at a constant speed of 5.4 ms per line.

In a step S90, whether one page of recording has been completed or not is determined, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to a step S92, and if it has not been completed, the process proceeds to the step S88.

In the step S92, whether all pages have been recorded or not is determined. If all pages have been recorded, the process proceeds to a step S93, and if all pages have not been recorded, the process proceeds to the step S88.

In the step S93, whether the designated number of copies have been outputted or not is determined. If they have been outputted, the process proceeds to the step S62, and if they have not been outputted, the process proceeds to the step S88.

In a step S94 (FIG. 4), the store time of one line is set such that the reading is made in a shortest time in the mode (standard/fine/super fine) currently selected by the console unit. The store time of one line is outputted to the signal lines 50 d and 50 e and the light intensity (a current value for each of 30 LED's) corresponding to the store time is outputted to the signal line 50 c.

In a step S96, the read information is sequentially read in the designated mode under the control of the signal line 50 g, they are MR decoded with K=8, and stored in the memory circuit 20.

In a step S98, whether all pages have been read or not is determined, and if all pages have been read, the process proceeds to a step S100, and if all pages have not been read, the process proceeds to the step S96.

In the step S100, a signal of signal level “1” is outputted to the signal line 50 a to turn on the CML.

In a step S102, a call is made to the designated destination station.

A step S104 represents a pre-protocol.

A step S106 represents the transmission of the image signal under the control of the signal line 50 g.

In accordance with the ability of the destination receiver, the transmission mode or encoding mode is determined and the signal is transmitted.

A step S108 represents a post-protocol.

In a step S110 (FIG. 5), a signal of a signal level “1” is outputted to the signal line 50 a to turn on the CML.

A step S112 represents a pre-protocol.

In a step S114, the store time of one line is set such that the signal is read in the minimum transmission time designated by the destination receiver. The store time of one line is outputted to the signal lines 50 d and 50 e and a light intensity (a current value of each of the 30 LED's) corresponding to the store time is outputted to the signal line 50 c.

A step S116 represents the transmission of the image signal.

A step S118 represents a post-protocol.

(Embodiment 2)

When the ECM communication is elected in the direct transmission mode, the generation time of one line of read data may be set to a shortest possible time which permits the reading.

(Embodiment 3)

In the single copy mode, the generation time of one line of data is slightly shorter than the record time of one line in the previous embodiment. Alternatively, the information of a predetermined line may be initially stored in the memory and the generation time of one line may be made equal to the record time of one line.

(Embodiment 4)

In the above embodiments, the generation time of one line of read data is set as the store time of one line and the light intensity is adjusted accordingly. Specifically, the light intensity (the current value to each LED) is lowered in the read mode having a long store time, and the light intensity (the current value to each LED) is increased in the read mode having a short store time.

Alternatively, the store time may be fixed and the information of latter half may be thrown away depending on the generation time of one line of read data. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2B-1, 2B-2, the data in the store time t_(a) may be used as the valid data and the data in the store time (t_(b)−t_(a)) may be thrown away.

A specific example of the control is shown in FIGS. 6A to 7B which show only differences from the control flow charts of FIGS. 3A to 5.

In FIG. 6A, a step S120 represent the step S62 of FIG. 3A.

In a step S122, the store time of one line is set to 2.5 ms. 8.00 (mA) is outputted to the signal lines 50 c and 8.0 mA is supplied to each of the 30 LED's, and 2.5 (ms) is outputted to the signal line 50 e.

A step S124 represents the step S64 of FIG. 3A.

A step S126 (FIG. 6B) represents YES of the step S64 of FIG. 3A.

In a step S128, the generation time of one line of data is set to 5.39 ms. Specifically, 5.39 (ms) is outputted to the signal line 50 d.

A step S130 represents the step S76 of FIG. 3A, and a step S132 (FIG. 6C) represents YES in the step S66 of FIG. 3A.

In a step S134, the generation time of one line of data is set to 2.5 ms. Specifically, 2.5 (ms) is outputted to the signal line 50 d.

A step S136 represents the step S84 of FIG. 3B, and a step S138 (FIG. 7A) represents YES in the step S68 of FIG. 3A.

In a step S140, the generation time of one line of data is set to read the data in a shortest time in the mode (standard/fine/super fine) currently selected by the console unit. The time is no shorter than the store time of 2.5 ms. Specifically, the time is outputted to the signal line 50 d.

A step S142 represents the step S96 of FIG. 4, and a step S144 (FIG. 7B) represents the step S112 of FIG. 5.

In a step S146, the generation time of one line of data is set such that the data is read in the shortest transmission time designated by the destination receiver. The time is no shorter than the store time 2.5 ms. Specifically, the time is outputted to the signal line 50 d.

A step S148 represents the step S116 of FIG. 4.

As described hereinabove, in accordance with the present invention, in the single copy mode in the system in which the record time of one line is determined by the record condition (such as the LBP), the generation time of one line of data may be set slightly shorter than the record time of one line, and the memory for storing the read and record data permits the continuous read operation although it is definite so that the reading with a high image quality is attained.

In the single copy mode, the recording may be made after one page has been stored in the memory. In such a case, the problem of overflow of the information such as half-tone information from the memory is solved by the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: reading means for reading a document sheet line by line to derive image data, said reading means storing one line of image data at a predetermined storage time, recording means for recording the image data on a record sheet line by line, said recording means recording one line of image data at a recording time longer than the predetermined storage time; and correcting means for correcting the image data read by said reading means based on a difference between the predetermined storage time and the recording time, wherein said correcting means corrects the image data read by the reading means by changing the predetermined storage time to synchronize a reading process of said reading means for one line with a recording process of said recording means for one line.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said correcting means corrects the image data read by the reading means by causing said reading means to derive one line of the image data for one period of the recording time.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means is an electrophotographic printer.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image processing apparatus is a facsimile apparatus.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said correcting means causes said reading means to start storing one line of image data in synchronism with the recording time.
 6. An image processing method, comprising: a reading step of reading a document sheet line by line to derive image data, said reading step storing one line of image data at a predetermined storage time, a recording step of recording the image data on a record sheet line by line, said recording step recording one line of image data at a recording time longer than the predetermined storage time; and a correcting step of correcting the image data read by said reading step based on a difference between the predetermined storage time and the recording time, wherein said correcting step corrects the image data read by said reading step by changing the predetermined storage time to synchronize a reading process by said reading step for one line with a recording process of said recording step for one line.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said correcting step corrects the image data read by said reading step by causing said reading step to derive one line of the image data for one period of the recording time.
 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein said image recording step is performed by an electrophotographic printer.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said image processing method is performed by a facsimile apparatus.
 10. A method according to claim 6, wherein said correcting step causes said reading step to start storing one line of image data in synchronism with the recording time. 